The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) wants to see a biometric scanning device that has Web-enabled communication and control that’s built on a publicly-available specification, reports Bank Info Security. To that end, it’s looking for proposals for such a device.

NIST is funding the initiative to produce a functional yet small device for biometric acquisition that can be controlled through Web services as described in NIST Special Publication 500-288: Specification for WS-Biometric Devices.

The NIST Small Business Innovation Research program will be responsible for this project. It’s looking for proposals for the design and development of a small form-factor, Web-enabled handheld fingerprint sensor. It should be tamper-resistant, contain a battery or other power source and include a USB or other NIST-approved physical connection to allow users to customize the wireless controls.

The final project will take place in two phases: a design phase and a production phase. In the first phase, the NIST-chosen applicant submits drawings, a software stack for the device’s platform and proof of functionality. In the second phase, the applicant produces said device with an integrated single fingerprint sensor.

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